Belarus, PACE to continue constructive dialogue

MINSK - Daily News with wires

Belarus and the Parliamentary Council of Europe, or PACE, are set to continue a constructive dialogue, Belarus' Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Viktor Guminsky said Sunday during his meeting with the EU body's rapporteur on Belarus, Sinikka Hurskainen.

The vice speaker expressed hope for further development of contacts between Belarus and PACE, Belarusian Telegraph Agency, BelTA, reported.

Guminsky expressed hope that while in Belarus, the European politician will be able to familiarize herself with the situation in the country and observe public opinion. "We are open to cooperation with PACE. I believe sooner or later Belarus will become a full-fledged member of PACE," the vice speaker said.

Hurskainen, on her part, said her visit would focus on evaluating progress in democracy, human rights, supremacy of law and the steps Belarus has been undertaking to resume closer cooperation with PACE. She was also scheduled to meet with opposition members during her three-day visit, according to European Radio for Belarus' website, ERB.